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The Empress Not Born To RuleMaria Theresia's Habsburg father, Karl VI. despairing of a male heir, persuades a reluctant Holy Roman Empire to accept his daughter as his successor. But no sooner enthroned in 1740, she faces a Prussian invasion of her province of Silesia, beginning a series of wars that will continue until 1763. Frederick, later called "the Great", is fought to a standstill, but maintains his hold on Silesia.
Tireless reformer, pious Catholic and devoted wife, mother of thirteen surviving children (fourteen if Archduchess Isabella in Serene is included), she rules as senior partner alongside her son, Emperor Josef II, and her wily and self-possessed chancellor, Prince Kaunitz (who bears some resemblance to the Granitz of the Sophie Rathenau series). |
Britain and France, like Austria and Prussia, are locked in continuing wars over possessions, but in their cases the scope is global, leadng to conflicts in the New World and India. The duelling powers change sides during the wars between Maria Theresia and Frederick, thanks to the diplomacy of Prince Kaunitz, with France now supporting its old Habsburg rival. The end of the Seven Years' War leaves France stripped of much influence in the colonies, but the Bourbons will have their revenge with the American War of Independence. |